Australian Cattle Dog

For long hikes, the Australian Cattle Dog may be the most practical choice here. Bred to move cattle across hot Australian country, it has natural endurance, little interest in chasing game and a strong preference for staying at its owner's side, which is exactly what you want on a narrow ridge trail. It is also durable: a 2024 UK study recorded an average life expectancy of 14 years. Hereditary deafness occurs in the breed, so ask for a hearing test on the puppy and both parents.